Based on information we have received from evictees and others familiar with the expropriations and demolitions, Human Rights Watch believes that the expropriation and demolition of private properties in these areas are unlawful and violate Turkmenistan’s domestic law and international human rights obligations.

Human Rights Watch and Bulgarian Helsinki Committee are writing to you as a matter of urgency to ask that Bulgaria decline a request made by the government of Turkmenistan for the extradition of Kakajan Ataev, a citizen of the Russian Federation.

We are writing on the eve of your meeting with the Turkmen delegation to the 8th of May energy summit in Prague, to urge you to convey the European Union’s determination to see concrete and tangible human rights improvements in Turkmenistan as part of the process of upgrading relations.

For more than two years since you came to office, the international community has watched for signs that the government of Turkmenistan would break with the repressive practices that characterized the rule of Saparmurad Niazov. During this time, your government has received due credit for releasing a number of political prisoners, allowing several other individuals to travel abroad, and reversing the most ruinous social policies of the Niazov era. It is difficult to underestimate the importance of these steps. But it is also difficult to underestimate how important it is to end repressive policies that have carried over from the Niazov era and continue to mar Turkmenistan’s human rights record. I am writing to urge you to lead your government to make these changes.